Proper Fitting of a Football Helmet

A properly fitted helmet is essential for reducing risk of head injury and maximizing player comfort and performance.  A loose, improperly fitted helmet has the potential to shift and expose vulnerable areas of the head and face to possible injury.  Shifting of the helmet may also obstruct a player’s field of vision, potentially hindering performance. Ideally, the helmet should move with the head as a single unit.  Modern helmets have multiple parts (shell, jaw pads, chin strap, and face mask) that can be adjusted to form a custom fitting to every individual’s head size and shape.  Some newer designs: Xenith X1 (Xenith LLC) with its air filled chambers and the Revolution with its foam padding and extended jaw protection have added safety features and enhanced product design.

The fitting process consists of a shared responsibility of player and coach. It involves the coach’s understanding of what a properly fit helmet is and the player’s communication of comfort.  The ultimate goal is a firm, comfortable fit.

Below is a list of steps to ensure a “Perfect Fit.”  Since youth programs use refurbished helmets from a variety of companies and styles, the steps below are generic summary of fitting guidelines.    

PREPARE HELMET
1. Clean and sanitize each helmet.
2. Inspect each helmet, inside and out.
3. Check each helmet to assure that it bears a current NOCSAE (National Operating Committee
on Standards for Athletic Equipment) certification stamp

ASSESS AND PREPARE ATHLETE’S HEAD
Determine the normal hair length of the athlete.
Hair length when fitting may not be the same length as it will be during the season, especially if the fitting is done in the off-season.

Wet the athlete's hair prior to fitting the helmet.
A damp cloth or some water applied to the hair makes the initial fitting easier and will also approximate game and practice conditions when the players perspire.

Make note of head type and possible irregularities.
Some of the more common types are:
1) round face
2) square, full face with extended jaw
3) oblong and narrow face (typically at the cheeks and temples)
4) sloping forehead with high forehead profile.
Any of these types may be found in combination with any of the others. Each head shape requires different considerations when fitting.
Head measurement for proper shell size.
Head Circumference – Using a tape measure, begin by placing the tape around the widest point of the athlete's head over the hair, but not over the ears. The tape should be one inch above the eyebrows in front and just above the occipital protuberance (bony bump on back of head).

OR

Caliper – With a head caliper, often provided by manufacturer. Begin by having the athlete sit in a chair for easy reading of caliper. Place the caliper one inch above the eyebrow in front and on the crest of the occipital protuberance in back. Carefully read the measurement before removing the caliper from the head.

ASSESSING SHELL FIT
Conduct an on head visual inspection.
After placing helmet on player’s head, a visual inspection is a rough estimate. The helmet may appear to fit during the visual inspection, but subsequent testing will show the need for adjustments to be made.

Pump It Up
Many helmet systems today have air-inflated liners.  Inflate the liner and fit the helmet to "snugness" This will usually require several pumps of air.

Check helmet ear openings are in center of player’s ear opening or below center.
If the helmet's ear openings are too high, the helmet is too small or possibly the inner liner may be over inflated. If the helmet ear openings are too low, the helmet is too big or the inner liner is under inflated. It may be necessary to try another size and/or style if the helmet is still too small or too big after initial adjustments are made.

Check the eyebrows-to-helmet front rim distance.
A general rule of thumb is to use 1-1 1/2 finger widths. If there is a gap of more than one inch, the helmet is too small and if there is less, it is too large. If the helmet is too small, it causes the facemask to sit too high and can cause vision obstruction. If the helmet is too big, it can also cause vision problems as it sits too low and is prone to move around on the player's head.

Check fit in the rear of the helmet.
The occipital protuberance should be covered by the shell. The rear of the helmet should cradle the neck. It should not chafe from a tight fit, nor leave a large gap from a loose fit.

ASSESSIGN SHELL MOVEMENT
Try to rotate the helmet side-to-side.
Ask the player to keep head straight. Grab the faceguard in the middle and attempt to move the helmet from side to side. There should be some movement of the forehead skin and hair with the helmet, but it should not slip. The nose should stay within a line directly down the center of the helmet.

Check the crown adjustment.
Request the player to clasp his hands over the crown of the helmet and push straight down. The pressure should be felt on the crown. This test also cross-checks the eyebrow test.

Check the forehead pressure and back-to-front fit.
Have the player clasped hands together behind the helmet and attempt to push the helmet forward. Usually a gap of one finger width or less between the forehead and front pad is acceptable. If there is a gap of considerable size, the fitting may need to be adjusted.

CHECK OTHER COMPONENTS
Check the jaw pads
They should follow the contours of the cheeks. Generally, a round full face or a square full face will require a thinner size jaw pad than the standard issue size, and an oblong or narrow face will require a thicker size jaw pad.  Assure both pads are of equal size.

Check the chin strap fit.
The function of the chin strap is to hold the helmet in place. Make sure the cup is centered on the point of the chin and all four straps have the slack taken out. Begin fitting with the back or lower chin strap first. It is important that the high hookup chin straps go underneath the facemask. The faceguard will hold the clips in place if pops off during play.

Check the faceguard.
There should be adequate spacing between the faceguard and the tip of the nose. Generally, three finger width from the tip of the nose is acceptable. If the guard is too far away, there may be room for a blow to be delivered underneath the guard.

Check the player's vision
Peripherally, the player should be able to track a finger  approximately 180 degrees, and up and down to about 75 degrees.

CONCLUSION
Appropriate fitting of player’s football helmet provides optimal safety and player performance.  The fitting process requires a considerable amount of time, however, becomes easier with repetition and experience.  A well fitted helmet will provide considerable protection to head injury, but nothing can replace proper tackling form and technique. 

Chris Moros
New York College of Osteopathic Medicine